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Larimer Health Connect continuing with insurance assistance

Larimer Health Connect helped 1,500 people find more affordable health insurance options during the most recent open enrollment period for the Connect for Health Colorado Marketplace that ended Feb. 15. It will continue to assist local residents with their health insurance needs through the year and during the next open enrollment period, which begins Nov. 1.

A project of the Health District, Larimer Health Connect has provided free, in-person assistance at multiple Larimer County locations since October 2013. It offers information and enrollment help for Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), as well as for private Connect for Health Colorado Marketplace plans that feature financial assistance to reduce the cost of health insurance and health care.

During the three-month enrollment period that ended in February, Health Coverage Guides served almost as many people through in-person visits and intensive phone assistance as they did during last year's open enrollment period, which ran twice as long. As of Feb. 15, more than 10,000 Larimer County residents had enrolled in plans from the Connect for Health Colorado Marketplace, with even more signing up for newly expanded Medicaid benefits.

Consumers came from all over Larimer County and from all walks of life. They had this in common, however:  they were uninsured, or seeking a more affordable health coverage option, and they needed help figuring out their options and navigating the enrollment process.

“Applying for health benefits seemed difficult to do on my own,” says one 25-year-old woman from Fort Collins. “Having in-person assistance helped me understand what I qualify for. And having benefits will save me hundreds of dollars each year in medical expenses—I am very grateful.”

Over the next several months, Larimer Health Connect will continue to assist people at its Old Town offices. With open enrollment over for now, those who are still uninsured can enroll in a Marketplace plan only if they have had a “life-change event.” This includes events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or changing or losing a job (and with it your health insurance). Enrollment in Medicaid and CHP+ continues year-round, however, and Larimer Health Connect can help with that.

The next open enrollment period for the Marketplace runs Nov. 1 through Jan. 31, 2016, when Larimer Health Connect again will offer free assistance at multiple locations around the county.

For more information or to make an appointment, visit www.larimerhealthconnect.org or call 970-472-0444.